Mind of the Artist, Part IV: Jorge Luis Bernal

December 21, 2015

The next in our series of Capitol Hill Art League (CHAL) artist interviews, we’re excited to feature Jorge Luis Bernal as our final artist of 2015! Read more about his process and inspirations here, and join us right back here on the blog in January to kick off the new year with your monthly dose of Mind of the Artist.

We asked Jorge: What is your medium, and what inspires you to express yourself?

I work in clay, glass and jewelry, but most recently have been focusing on cold wax painting and encaustic monotypes, which have received numerous awards.

I’m best known for my non-representational visual language painting of form, color and line. My work investigates and creates compositions that exist with a degree of independence from the world of visual reference. The work is narrative and often references elements of architecture flowing from my architectural training. I create abstract representations of reality, imagination and cultural critiques, often-transparent forms referencing the landscape. I’m always investigating human emotions, history and universality merged with my own personal experience by mixing and combining opposites, playing with analogies and ambiguity through the fragmentation of images.

In addition to participating in numerous exhibitions, including multiple solo shows, in 2015, Jorge will be presenting his works in early 2016. We are lucky enough to get a preview of his Pueblo Series:

“The Pueblo people are located primarily in New Mexico and are descendants of an indigenous Native American culture established over many centuries. The 19 Pueblos of New Mexico are: Acoma, Cochiti, Isleta, Jemez, Laguna, Nambe, Ohkay Owingeh, Picuris, Pojoaque, Sandia, San Felipe, San Ildefonso, Santa Ana, Santa Clara, Santo Domingo, Taos, Tesuque, Zia, and Zuni.

My most recent abstract painting are influenced by the brilliant light, colorful sunsets, earth tones, and ancient architecture of the American southwest, but most importantly by the Pueblo people who are rooted on this region. This body of work celebrates their art, culture and spirit.”

-Jorge Luis Bernal

Catch more of Jorge’s work at these shows in 2016:

Small Works Exhibit New Mexico Art League NMAL3409 Juan Tabo NE, Albuquerque, December 1 through January 16, 2016